It’s officially the holiday season around Long Island and this week, there are loads to do if you’re in the holiday spirit. Hicks Nurseries has several fun holiday-themed activities for the family, including meeting Santa and his reindeer and seeing their show, Christmas Animated Story.

But even if you aren’t yet in the holiday frame of mind, there’s no shortage of activities to keep big and little ones engaged, including theater performances, open play, and The Polar Express.

We're fortunate in the Southland to have a wonderful variety of traditional holiday events each season; LA families can take in Christmas lights, boat parades, Nutcracker performances, and even outdoor ice skating rinks. Add to that a holiday entertainment experience adjacent to the Southland's most famous cruise ship, The Queen Mary. For the past four years our warm blooded kids have been able to CHILL from Thanksgiving into the New Year, and we don't mean the kind you do with a board in hand. CHILL is a day's worth of holiday themed activities and photo ops—and a great reason for a family drive to Long Beach.

It's that time of year when twinkling lights and shiny bulbs are everywhere. But I'll bet you have never seen a unique bevy of Christmas trees like the ones you will see at the Festival of Trees at the Wadsworth Atheneum. This annual event has been going for 43 years (I know!), and was established by the Women's Committee of the Museum as a fundraiser.

Every year, my family and I make our trek into Hartford. It's a great opportunity for my boys to be exposed to some amazing artists and to see the beautiful decorated trees people have created.

One of the best things about living in Connecticut is the small-town feel our communities work so hard to capture. This sentiment can especially be felt around the holidays when people come together. So even if you don't live in these towns in Hartford County, you are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the season at these events. Check out our Holiday Guide and our list of Holiday Light Shows for even more tips on fun ways to celebrate the season.

There is something magical about a holiday light display. I have so many fun memories of bundling up in the backseat and driving around town searching for the best Christmas lights. I am happy to say that this is a tradition that I have continued with my daughter.

New Haven may have its Fantasy of Lights, but there's plenty to see in Fairfield County. It's not clear whether billionaire Paul Tudor Jones will have his elaborate light display in Greenwich this year (watch this space for updates!), but there are many other local options, including a contestant on ABC's "Great Christmas Light Fight."

Every year it seems holiday light installations in New York City get more elaborate, making a visit to the top displays a must-do seasonal activity.These days there are even tour buses that will take you to some of the neighborhoods decked out for the season.

We've rounded up some of the best holiday displays in NYC. Some of these attractions are in the more far-flung stretches of the city such as Pelham Gardens in the Bronx, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn and Jamaica Estates in Queens, but they're definitely worth the trip. We can vouch for it!

So start your own holiday tradition this year by checking out these spectacular sights when dusk hits. Find more seasonal fun, including where to find more holiday lights in our NYC Holiday Fun Guide.

Watch your little ones' faces light up as they see the glow coming off these spectacular holiday light shows across Long Island. That's not all! Most are full-on destination stops with hot cocoa, ice skating and photo ops with Santa and more.